Can-labeling machine.



F. H. KNAPP. CAN LABELING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 9, 1912.

1,100,978. Patented June 23,1914

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

COLUMIIA PLANDGRAFH c0.. WASHINGTON. D. C.

P. H. KNAPP.

CAN LABELING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 9, 1912.

1, 1 00,978. Patented June 23, 1914.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

l l I I l I l I I F. H. KNAPP.

DAN LABELING MACHINE.

APPLIOATION rum) 11017.9, 1912.

Patented June 23, 1914;

4 SHEETSSHEET 3.

COLUMBIA PLANOORAPH Co., WASHINGTON, D. c.

F. H. KNAPP.

'GAN LABELING MACHINE.-

APPLIUATION FILED NOV. 9, 1912.

.. W m m a m. WW m m a e .r 5 n m d 8 EU A: m M Lnbv 9 a P M 77 M Z j 040 M a w 7 9, m 0 m w W J L COLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH cm. WASHINGTON, D. c.

EZYNKTE srA s FREDERICK H. KNAPP, WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND, ASSIGNOR TO THE FRED H. KNAPP COMPANY, OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND, A CORPORATION OF MARYLAND.

CAN-LABELING MACHINE.

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, FREDERICK H. KNAPP, a citizen of the United States, residing at Vestminster, in the county of Carroll and State of Maryland, have invented certain adapted to secure upon the periphery of a can or the like, a suitable label or wrapper.

One of the primary objects of the invention is to provide in a machine of the character stated novel and improved pasting mechanism adapted to securely paste the label on the article, and this without causing the label to wrinkle and thereby present an unseemly appearance to the can, which usually follows the application of an over abundance of paste.

Two distinct characters of labeling machines are recognized in the art, one in which the paste for securing the label is applied to the article, whereby the latter will pick up the label by being brought into contact with the latter; and the other, in which the paste is applied to the label itself, whereby he label will be picked up by the article when brought into engagement there with, and it is to this last mentioned class of labeling machines that the present invention more particularly relates. Many of the prior machines of this particular type have proven objectionable to a large extent, because the pasting mechanism was of a charactor to thoroughly soak the label, which would result in not only applying an overabundance of paste to the uppermost label of the supply, but would tend to moisten and wrinkle other labels of the supply. These and other objections are overcome by the present invention, in which the pasting mechanism is of a character adapted to alternately move into and out of operative position relative to the label and into and out of operative position relative to the paste supply, to the end that the pasting mechanism will be in contact with the label only long enough to coat a portion of the ex Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed November 9, 1912.

Patented June 23, 1914.

Serial No. 730,482.

posed surface of the label just prior to the same being taken up by the article.

It is a further object of the invention to provide novel and efficient means whereby the pasting mechanism will remain inoperative except during the passing of the article through the machine, the actuation of the pasting mechanism being dependent on the movement of the articles themselves.

More particularly the invention includes a label receptacle, a runway along which the article passes, pasting mechanism and means operated by the passing article to successively paste opposite ends of the label together with means also governed by the movement of the article to bring a fresh supply of paste into position to be taken up by the pasting mechanism in each operation of the latter.

The invention further embraces a novel construction and arrangement of label support and associated parts, and novel construction and arrangement of paste receptacles together with improved paste take up members.

The invention also includes a novel construction of runway or support for the can and associated feeding mechanism cooperating therewith.

Other and further improvements in the art and novel details in the construction and arrangement of the various parts will be appreciated from the description to follow, which, for a clear understanding of the invention should be considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, forming a part hereof, and wherein is disclosed for the purpose of illustration a convenient and satisfactory embodiment of the inven tion.

WVhile the present embodiment of the invention, as described and illustrated, is more especially designed for the labeling of cans, still the invention is not to be construed as limited to such use, for it is within the contemplation of the invention, to apply labels or wrappers to various cartons and packages other than cans, and when the term can or equivalent thereof is used in the description and claims, this term is to be construed as covering or including other analogous articles adapted to receive labels.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a front side elevation; Fig. 2 is a top plan view; Fig. 3 is a front end elevation with parts in section; Fig. 4L is a longitudinal section of the front end of the machine; Figs. 5 and 6 are detail views of parts removed; Fig. 7 is a detail view of the spacing member.

Vi ith more particular reference to the drawings like reference characters refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views, in which a suitable frame work is illustrated as comprising elongated oppositely disposed sides 1 connected to one another and supported upon suitable end bars 2. Projecting downwardly from the end bars 2 are legs or standards, there being preferably two or such legs 3, one adjacent each side of the machine at the rear end thereof, while at the opposite or front end of the machine but one of such legs 4 is conveniently provided, the opposite sides of the leg 4 preferably converging toward the center (see Fig. 7) and terminating at the lower end of the standard in a base or foot 4* arranged intermediate the sides of the machine. This particular construction and formation of supporting frame is of especial advantage where the floor space is limited, and again it permits the operator to assume a position close to the forward end of the machine, with his feet one to each side of the base 4. This arrangement also condenses the apparatus and reduces the cost of production, as well as decreases the weight thereof, which is material since the frame work is preferably constructed of metal.

Adjacent opposite ends of the machine are suitable upwardly projecting overhanging brackets 5 having vertically disposed slotted ways 5 adapted for the reception of bolts? 6 which latter are secured in adjustable position by suitable nuts threaded to the ends of t the bolts. The bolts 6 project laterally from downwardly projecting brackets 7 on what l may be termed a superimposed or auxiliary; frame 8 adapted to support the feeding or, conveying mechanism. 5

The feeding mechanism for the cans, which also preferably constitutes the means, for ironing or pressing the applied label to the cans, preferably comprises an endless belt or carrier 9, of suitable material such as leather. This endless carrier is of a width to engage substantiallv over the entireTt; riphery of the can, and of a length substantially co-extensive with the runway which supports the cans. The carrier is conveniently supported upon hollow metal pulleys 10 and 11. The pulleys 10 and 11 are mounted upon shafts 12 and 13 respectively the pulley 11 being fixed and the pulley 10 being loose. The shafts are loosely mounted ,nects with the runway bars 21..

in suitable bearings 18 at the ends of the supporting frame 8. One of the shafts, 12, projects at one end beyond the side of the frame 8 and supports a sprocket wheel 14:, while the other of said shafts 13, projects at opposite ends beyond the sides of the frame 8, one end of which having mounted thereon a suitable driving means of any desired construction, while the opposite end carries a sprocket wheel 15. As shown, the driving mechanism preferably takes the form of a crank handle 16, though it is obvious of course that any suitable power drive may be applied to said shaft. By imparting rotary movement to the shaft 13 by the handle 16, the belt 9 is rotated to feed the cans along the runway. Can spacing disks 10 are fixed on the shaft 12 one to each side of the loose pulleys 10. The disks have a slightly greater diameter than the pulley and form means to retain the belt in position as well as means for spacing the cans, since the disks are rotated at a slower speed than the pulleys and will thereby separate the cans as they are engaged between the disks and runway. A sprocket chain 17 mounted upon respective sprocket wheels 1412 and 15 transmits the movement of the drive shaft to the other shaft, thereby reducing the speed of said spacing disks. A series of yieldably supported pulleys 18 are adapted to engage the inner surfaces of the lower stretch of the carrier, and a suitable adjustable belt tightener in the form of a pulley 19 is adapted to engage the outer surface of the upper stretch of said carrier, to the end that the presser upon the cans may be accurately regulated for the feeding and pressing operation and at the same time permit the belt to give, due to the action of the spring held rollers 18, so as not to injure the can in their movement along the runway.

The brackets 5 have cross bars 20 which latter form suitable supports for the main bars 21 of the run ways. The bars 21 at the forward end of the machine have a reduced portion 22 and overlying said reduced portions are elongated flat spring members the rear ends of which being secured to the upper surface of the body portion of the bars 21., and the forward free ends loosely resting upon the lower end of the inclined feed chute24t. machine a suitable discharge chute 25 con- Suitable guides of any desired construction 26, one of which is preferably yieldable as is common in the art are adapted to engage the ends of the cans, and suitably position the same in their movement along the runway.

Arranged intermediate the runway bars 21 at opposite ends of the machine, are vertically extending sides 27 and 28 of a label receptacle, the upper edges of which sides At the opposite en d,of the.ml .m

constitute continuations of the runway bars, and said upper edges have an inclined forward end 27 whereby the cans will readily ride upwardly and over the edge of said sides. The front side 27 of the label receptacle is of a reduced height relative to the rear side 28, whereby to provide an unobstructed space 29therebeneath for the ready insertion of the labels, and in this connection, the extended rear side 28 of the label receptacle will constitute an abutment in positioning the labels in the receptacle. The bottom wall of the label receptacle, given the numeral 30, is suitably guided by tongue and groove connections 3131 on the rear wall 28 of the receptacle, and has projecting downwardly therefrom a suitable adjusting rod 32 passing through a suitable guide 83 on the frame work. The rod 32 is vertically adjustable automatically or otherwise as is customary so as to accommodate for the reduction in the supply of labels and to position the uppermost one so as to be taken up by the passing can. When the labels are to be inserted on the base 30 of the receptacle, said base or platform is moved to lowermost position, and a plate 34: supported on the side of the framework forms in efiect a continuation of said platform so as to constitute an enlarged rest for the labels in the insertion of the latter. The extension platform 34 may be adjustably supported as by adjusting means 35 whereby to accurately position the extension relative to the platform '30 in the lowermost position of the latter.

The ends of the label receptacle are preferably formed by the inner sides of the paste receptacles to be now described.

36 and 37 are paste receptacles, one being adjacent each end of the label receptacle, with one side of each pasting receptacle abuttingagainst the adjacentend of the sides 27 and 28. The paste receptacles 36 and 37 conveniently have a reduced part 39 adapted to be positioned between supports 69 on the frame whereby the paste recep tacles are secured in position as thumb bolts 40. These bolts of course are adapted to permit of the removal bodily of the paste receptacles. When said paste receptacles are in position one side thereof with the sides of the label receptacle form a substan tially closed receptacle for the labels. The paste applying members within the recep tacles are conveniently alike, and the de scription of one will sufiice for ;he other.

41 is a suitable paste pick up roller which said roller is mounted upon a shaft 42 having a suitable bearing in the end walls of the receptacle. Said roller 41 is adapted to travel through and pick up paste from the receptacle and deliver the same to a suitable transfer roller 4;- also mounted upon shaft having bearings in the ends of the receptacle and rotated by contact with the roller 41. The transfer rollers preferably have a smooth periphery, while the pick up rollers ll have raised portions conveniently formed by flanges 44. Both rollers are preferably formed of metal and said flanges l serve as a suitable spacing means for the periphery of the rollers, with the result that the space between the flanges of the pick up roller will always contain a goodly supply of paste to be engaged by the transfer roller, which would not be the case were the peripheries of the rollers in direct contact.

The mechanism for applying the paste to the labels is of a character to operate only during the movement of the cans through the runway and is preferably of a construction permitting of the alternate application of paste to the upper surface of the label adjacent opposite ends thereof. The pasting means for the pick up end of the label is preferably of a character to supply to this end of the label. a series of separated spots of paste and to this end includes a paste applying member 45 extending transversely across the runway and adapted in one position of its movement to rest upon the upper surface of the runway in which said position the pasting surface 4-6 of the member d5 will contact with the transfer roll 43. The pasting member 45 preferably takes the form of a spring bar adapted to yield throughout its length. and the pasting surfaces 46 are preferably formed by felt or similar disks secured to the inner surface of said bars. The opposite ends of the bars are secured to suitable brackets t? pivotally mounted upon suitable supporting pintles 48 mounted at the upper end upon a rock arm 49 pivoted at its lower end upon a suitable shaft 50 supported from a convenient part of the frame work.

Suitable roller members 51 supported upon the sides of the label receptacle are arranged to project slightly above the runway and to be engaged by-the paste applying member e5 adjacent opposite ends of the latter so that in the rocking movement of the arms 49 the spring pasting members 15 will yield so as to travel over said rollers 51. In this way the pasting members will be moved out of contact with the exposed edges at the end of the labels and when released by the r llers will fall into contact with the upper surfaces of the labels adjacent the end thereof thereby insuring a pasting contact with the labels. On the other end when the arm 49 is moved in the reverse direction the paste applying member 45 will again be elevated and when released by the roller will fall in front and into contact with the upper surface of the runway bars at which time the pasting surfaces brought into pasting contact with the transfer roller 43. The movement to the rock arms 49 is preferably imparted by horizontal bars 52 pivoted at one end upon the pintle 48 and at the opposite end upon the crank arm 53 carried by a transversely extending shaft 54. The shaft is mounted in suitable bearings and the arms 49 are normally held in one position of movement by a spring member 55 connected at one end to the arm 49 and at its opposite end to a boss on the shaft 54. The means for moving the rock arm in an opposite direction preferably comprises a trip member arranged in the path of the can 6 along the runway. The trip member is illustrated at 56, the same inclining in opposite directions so that its ends project slightly below the upper edge of the runway bars, to the end that the can may readily ride up and over the inclined portions of the trip member and depress the same, whether the can be moved forward or back along the runway. The trip member 56 is} connected at 57 to a link 58, which latter is a mounted upon a rack bar 59 loosely positioned in a guide way 60 supported from one 7 The front end of the trip arm is pivotally connected at 61 to suitably supported bifurcated bracket 62.?

of the runway bars.

Positioned upon the rock shaft 54 and secured thereto for movement therewith is a suitable boss carrying a gear wheel 63 adapted to mesh with the teeth of the rack bar 59,

to the end that as the trip member 56 is depressed, the rack bar 59 will be moved downwardly thereby imparting rotary movement 3 to the gear wheel 63 and to the rock shaft 54, thereby moving the rock arm 49 against the action of the spring, to bring the pasting member out of engagement with the transfer roller 43 and into engagement with the upper surface of the label. So soon as the trip arm 56 is released by the can passing beyond the same, the spring member 55 will return the parts to the initial position whereby to position the trip member to be engaged by a succeeding can. The can actuating mechanism just described for the paste member 45 also constitutes the means for actuating the lap end pasting mechanism at the opposite end of the machine, in the manner following. The lap end pasting device is quite similar to the pasting device previously described, in that it preferably consists of a spring metal bar 64 projecting across the runway with the ends thereof adapted to rest upon the upper surface of the runway bars in the opposite positions of said bar. Upon the inner surface of the bar 64 I preferably provide an elongated strip of felt or the like 65 of a length to extend substantially from edge to edge of the label. Roller bearings 65 similar in operation and function to the bearings 51 are provided the same projecting above the runway bars and adapted to be engaged by the paste applying bar 64 in its movement from a point in contact with the labels to its position in engagement with the paste transfer roller in the receptacle 37. As before, as the paste applying bar is moved longitudinally in either direction it will flex, thereby causing the pasting surface of the bar to fall into contact with either the paste transfer roll or the label as the case may be thereby insuring an application of paste to the pasting surface of the bar 64 and in turn a thorough pasting of the lap end of the label, and without rubbing over the exposed edges or ends of the labels. Opposite ends of the pasting bar 64 are supported upon bracket members 66 mounted upon suitable pintles 67 supported upon the upper end of rock arms 68 pivoted at 69 to the support 69 The two rock arms 49 and 68 are connected to move in unison through the medium of a reach bar 70. which latter is lengthwise adjustable by being formed in sections with the adjustable connection 71 of any desired construction. The adjustment of the reach bar accurately positions the pasting members 45 and 64 respectively, said reach bar being connected at one end to the pintle 67 and at its opposite end to the pintle 48.

From the construction just described it will be observed that as a can is moved along the runway by the feed member 9, the same will press upon the trip member 56 thereby depressing the same'and actuating the rock shaft 54, to the end that the connected rock arms 49 and 68 will move against the action of the spring 55 to bring the pick up pasting member 45 out of engagement with the transfer roller 43 and into engagement with the pick up end of the uppermost label, while the same action will move the lap end pasting member 64 out of contact with the lap end of the uppermost label and into contact with the transfer roller 43 at that end of the machine. In this way the pasting devices are alternately acting that is to say that while one is applying paste to the label the other is receiving paste from its transfer roller 43. The engagement of the pasting device with the labels is of short duration, and not sufficiently long for the paste to soak through the uppermost labels or to dampen the other labels of the supply. This will prevent the labels from wrinkling to any depreciable eX- tent due to the application of paste. It is also desirable to provide means whereby a fresh supply of paste will be brought into contact with the pasting devices periodically as the cans are labeled, and that the paste pick up rolls and the associated parts remain inactive or stationary except during the passage of the cans through the machine.

\Vith these and other objects in view each of the shafts 42 of the paste pick up rolls 41 have secured thereto at a point without the paste receptacles a ratchet wheel 72 adapted to be engaged. by a dog 73 pivotally mounted upon a pintle 73 projecting from a bracket 74 pivoted at one end 7 5 to the frame Work and connected at its opposite end to a trip member 7 6 projecting above the runway bars, and adapted to be depressed by the passing can and operating in a somewhat similar manner to the trip member 56 above described. It will be appreciated that the tooth or dog 73 is spring held in any desired manner as at 77 in engagement with the ratchet wheel 37, and when in such engagement the trip member will be held inraised position. On the other hand as the can passes by the trip arm the same will be lowered thereby causing the dog 73 to rotate the ratchet wheel the distance of one or more teeth thereby bringing a fresh quantity of paste into position to be taken up by the transfer roll to be engaged by the pasting device.

The operation will be reviewed as follows: The base or support 30 for the labels is lowered into position in substantial horizontal alinement with the extension platform 34, when the labels may be shoved from said platform into position on said support 30. The latter will be raised so as to position the topmost label to be engaged by the pasting devices and the cans. The operator then causes the cans to run down the inclined chute 2st onto the spring supports 23 beneath the disks 10 The spring supports 23 prevent any injury to the can as it is engaged by the feeding mechanism at this point. By imparting rotary movement to the feed member 9 through the handle 16 the can travels along the runway and over the trip member 56 thereby depressing the same and causing the pick up pasting device 45 to move over the rollers 51 and into contact with the upper surface of the label adjacent its forward end. As soon as the can is released by the trip arm the spring members 55 will cause the pasting device 45 to assume its original position resting upon the upper surface of the runway bars thereby allowing the can to ride thereover and to engage the pasted surface of the label causing the latter to be picked up by the can. The continued rotary movement of the can causes the label to be wound thereupon, and the opposite or lap end of the label is now being pasted by the pasting device 6%. A succeeding can by actuating the trip member 56 causes the rock arm 68 through the medium of the reach rod 70 to move the lap end pasting device 6% out of contact with the lap end of the label and into position on the runway bars where the pasting surface thereof will engage the paste transfer roller. This movement of the-lap end pasting device takes place just prior to the time the can engages the pasted lap end of the uppermost label. The continued movement of the can causes the label to firmly attach to the can and in this connection the rear end of the carrier member 9 by engaging the can beneath the pulley 11 irons or smooths the label about the can.

It will be noted that since the paste is applied to the labels themselves rather than to the cans, it is possible to have a feed member which extends from side to side of the runway so as to engage substantially the entire surface of the can and this without being brought into contact with the paste on the can.

What I claim is:

1. In a labeling machine, the combination of an elongated runway for cans or the like, a label receptacle intermediate the ends of the runway, paste pots one at each end of the receptacle and forming end walls therefor, and pasting means for each paste pot adapted to move from a position to receive paste from the paste pot to a position overlying the labels and to be traversed by the cans.

2. In a labeling machine, the combination of an elongated runway for cans or the like, a label receptacle intermediate the ends of the runway, paste pots one at each end of the receptacle and forming end walls therefor, and pasting means for each paste pot adapted to move from a position to receive paste from the paste pot to a position overlying the labels, the paste pots being independently removably supported on the frame of the machine.

3. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway for cans or the like, pasting mechanism, a vertically adjustable label support arranged intermediate the ends of the runway, the front side of the label support being substantially unobstructed for the insertion of the label, and a suitably supported label platform arranged forwardly of said front side of said support, so as to constitute an extension of the label support in the insertion of the labels.

4. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway for'cans or the like, past ing mechanism, a vertically adjustable label support intermediate the ends of the runway, and a suitably supported label platform arranged to one side of said support, saidlabel support having an open side adjacent said platform and said platform being vertically adjustable, so as to be brought in horizontal alinement with the label support to form an extension thereof.

5. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway for cans or the like, a vertically adjustable label support having side supports for the label and an open side at the front of the machine, pasting mechanism, and a platform supported from the frame work at the open side of the label support and forming an extension of the label support in one of the positions of the latter.

6. In a labeling machine, the combination of a run 'ay for cans or the like, a label receptacle, pasting mechanism, and common means for feeding the cans along the runway, and for ironing and a'flixing the labels to the cans comprising rotary drums above the runway one adjacent each end thereof and an endless belt mounted upon said drums, that portion of the runway adjacent the forward end and below the drum being cut away, and an elongated flat spring arm forming an extension of the runway at said cut away portion.

7. In a labeling machine, the combination of a label receptacle, a runway, pasting mechanism for opposite ends of the label, an endless feed member arranged above the run ay, drums at opposite ends of the machine for supporting the feed member, and means for spacing the cans comprising disk members mounted upon the shaft of one of said drums and being movable relative to the drum at a different speed, and that portion of the runway below said spacing disks being yieldable.

8. In alabeling machine, the combination of a can runway, a label receptacle, means for applying paste transversely across the labels comprising a. pivotally supported member projecting across the runway and adapted in, one of its movements to rest thereupon and permit the cans to travel thereover, said paste applying member being movable from a point in contact with the label to a point in position to receive an application of paste, and an endless feed member of a width to extend substantially over the periphery of the can.

9. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway for cans or the like, a label receptacle intermediate the ends of the runway, an elongated feed belt substantially coextensive with the runway and of a width extending from side to side thereof, and means for applying a coating of paste across the label in the receptacle comprising a bodily movable paste applying member having upon its inner face one or more aasting surfaces, said paste applying member being adapted to move from a position in contact with the label to a position beyond the end thereof, said paste applying member being adapted to lie flat across the runway so as to be traversed by the cans.

10. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway for cans or the like, a label receptacle intermediate the ends of the runway. an elongated feed belt substantially co extensive with the runway and of a width extending from side to side thereof, means for applying a coating of paste to the label in the receptacle comprising a bodily movable paste applying member having upon its inner face one or more pasting surfaces, said paste applying member being adapted to move from a position in contact with the label to a position beyond the end thereof and said paste applying member being relatively flat whereby it rests upon the runway and permits the can to travel thereover, and means for applying paste to the paste applying member.

11. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway for cans or the like, a feed belt substantially coextensive with the run way and of a width to extend from side to side thereof, a label receptacle intermediate the ends of the runway, a paste receptacle below the runway one at each end of the label receptacle, and relatively flat paste applying members adapted to project across the runway and permit the can to travel thereover, said paste applying members being bodily movable from a point in contact with the labels to a point to receive paste from its adjacent paste receptacle.

12. In a labeling machine, the combination of a label receptacle, a runway, an endless feed member above the runway, a paste receptacle below the runway removably supported upon the end of the label receptacle, a pasting member within the receptacle, a paste applying member comprising a relativel y fiat member having one or more ,pasb ing surfaces on its inner face and projecting across the runway, said paste applying member being adapted to move from said posi tion in contact with the pasting member to a position in contact with a label in the label receptacle, means for imparting movement to the paste applying member, including a trip arm arranged in the path of the can, and means for moving the paste member in the receptacle to bring into position a fresh supply of paste, said means including an auxiliary trip arm also arranged in the path of the can in its movement along the runway.

13. In a labeling machine, the combination of a can runway, a label receptacle intermediate the ends of the runway, a can feed arranged above the runway and label receptacle, a paste receptacle adjacent one end of the label receptacle, a paste pick up roller in the receptacle, a paste transfer roller to receive paste from the pick up roller, a paste applying member to receive paste from the pick up roller and apply the same to the upper surface of the label, and means for spacing the surfaces of the pick up and transfer rollers from one another.

14. In a labeling machine, the combination of a can runway, a label receptacle intermediate the ends of the runway, at can feed arranged above the runway and label receptacle, a paste receptacle adjacent one end of the label receptacle, a paste pick up roller in the receptacle a paste transfer roller to receive paste from the pick up roller, a paste applying member to receive past-e from the pick up roller and apply the same to the upper surface of the label, means for spacing the surfaces of the pick up and transfer rollers from one another, trip mechanism to be engaged by the can to actuate the paste applying member, and trip mechanism adapted to be actuated by the can to actuate the paste pick up roller.

15. In a labeling machine, the combination of a can runway, a label receptacle intermediate the ends of the runway, a paste receptacle below the runway adjacent one end of the label receptacle, a paste pick up roll in the receptacle, a paste transfer roll, a paste applying member to receive paste from the transfer roll and apply same to a label in the receptacle, one or more peripheral projections on one of the rolls compris ing the pick up and transfer rolls for properly spacing these rolls from one another, substantially as and for the purpose described.

16. In a labeling machine, a runway for cans or the like, a label receptacle and pasting mechanism comprising a paste receptacle, a paste pick up roll in the receptacle, a paste applying member and a rotatable paste transfer member interposed between the paste applying member and the paste pick up roll, and spacin means interposed between the paste pick up roll and the transfer roll, substantially as and for the purpose described.

17. In a labeling machine, the combination of a can runway, a label receptacle, a paste applying member, means for supplying paste to the paste applying member comprising a paste receptacle, a pick up roll in the receptacle, a transfer roll interposed between the paste applying member and pick up roll, means whereby the paste receptacle with the said rolls may be bodily removed from the machine, and a trip mechanism actuated by a passing can for imparting movement to the rolls, said trip mechanism being also removable with the paste receptacle.

18. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway for cans or the like, a label receptacle, and pivotally mounted pasting members alternately acting to supply opposite ends of the uppermost label with paste.

19. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway for cans or the like, a label receptacle, and means for applying paste to the upper surface of the label adjacent opposite ends thereof, comprising horizontally swinging pasting members mounted on a common rocking support, whereby the respective pasting members are alternately moved into contact with the labels.

20. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway for cans or the like, a label receptacle, means for applying paste to the upper surface of the label adjacent opposite ends thereof, comprising pasting members connected for simultaneous rocking movement, and means for rocking the same only during the movement of the can along the runway.

21. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway for cans or the like, a label receptacle. means for applying paste to the upper surface of the label adjacent opposite ends thereof, comprising pasting members connected for simultaneous rocking move ment, and means actuated by the passing cans along the runway for rocking said paste applying means to alternately move the pasting members in opposite directions into and out of contact with the label.

22. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway for cans or the like, a label support, a transversely extending paste applying member adjacent one end of the support, an auxiliary transversely extending paste applying member adjacent the opposite end of the support, an operative connection between said members, and operating means for alternately moving said members into and out of pasting contact with the uppermost label in the receptacle.

23. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway for cans or the like, a label support, a transversely extending paste applying member adjacent one end of the sup-- port, an auxiliary transversely extending paste applying member adjacent the opposite end of the support, an operative connection between said members, operating means for alternately moving said members into and out of pasting contact with the uppermost label in the receptacle, and said operating means being actuated by the movement of the cans along the runway.

24. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway, a label receptacle intermediate the ends of the runway, means for feeding cans along the runway, pasting members to engage the upper surface of the exposed label, one adjacent each end thereof, and means actuated by the movement of the cans along the runway for moving said members into and out of such engagement, said pasting members being of a character adapted to lie flat upon the label receptacle whereby the cans may pass thereover in their movement along the runway.

25. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway, label supporting means adapted to present a label adjacent the runway, a paste receptacle adjacent one end of the label support, an auxiliary paste receptacle adjacent the opposite end of the label support, paste rollers in said receptacles, a pair of connected paste applying members, one adjacent opposite ends of the label support, and means for moving said paste applying members to bring one into contact with a paste roller in one of the receptacles, and the other into contact with a label on the support.

26. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway, label supporting means adapted to present a label adjacent the runway, a paste receptacle adjacent one end of the label support, an auxiliary paste receptacle adjacent the opposite end of the label support, paste rollers in said receptacle, a pair of connected paste applying members, one adjacent opposite ends of the label support, and means for moving said paste applying members to bring one into contact with a paste roller in one of the receptacles, and the other into contact with a label on the support, said means being actuated by a passing can.

27. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway, label supporting means adapted to present a label adjacent the runway, a paste receptacle adjacent one end of the label support, an auxiliary paste receptable adjacent the opposite end of the label support, said receptacles being below the runway, paste rollers in said receptacles, a pair of connected paste applying members, one adjacent opposite ends of the label support, means for moving said paste applying members to bring one into contact with a paste roller in one of the receptacles, and the other into contact with a label on the support, and a trip arm to be engaged by a can to actuate said means.

28. In a labelingmachine, the combination of a runway, label supporting means adapted to present a label adjacent the runway, a paste receptacle adjacent one end of the label support, an auxiliary paste receptacle adjacent the opposite end of the label support, said receptacles being below the runway, paste rollers in said receptacles, a pair of connected paste applying members one adjacent opposite ends of the label support, means for moving said paste applying members to bring one into contact with a paste roller in one of the receptacles, and the other into contact with a label on the support, a trip arm to be engaged by a can to actuate said means, and an auxiliary trip mechanism actuated by the can to move said paste rollers.

29. In a labeling machine, a label receptacle, a runway for cans or the like means for applying separated spots of paste to the upper surface of the label receptacle adjacent one end, and a continuous strip of paste to the upper surface of the label adjacent its opposite end, said pasting means being connected for horizontal swinging ll'lOVQlment and means for alternately moving said paste applying means into operative en gagement with the label at opposite ends.

30. In a labeling machine, a label receptacle, a runway for cans or the like, means for applying separated spots of paste to the upper surface of the label in the receptacle adjacent one end, and a continuous strip of paste to the upper surface of the label adjacent its opposite end, and means for alternately moving said paste applying means into operative engagement with the label at opposite ends, said means being actuated by a passing can.

31. In a labeling machine, the combination oi? a runway, a label support, a paste member projecting across the runway adjacent one end of the label support, and relatively fiat pasting means projecting transversely across the runway actuated by the movement of the cans along the runway for reciprocating said paste member horizontally into and out of a position overlying the labels, the said pasting means offerin g no obstruction to the cans, while passing thereover.

32. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway, a label support, a paste carrying member, a paste applying member nately move into contact with the paste carrying member and the upper surface of a. label on the support, and roller bearings adapted to be engaged by said paste applying member in its movement.

34. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway, a label support, a paste carrying member, a paste applying member projecting across the runway and mounted on a rocking support, and adapted to alternately move into contact with the paste carrying member and the upper surtace of a label on the support, said paste applying member being yieldable, and means adapted to engage the same in its movement to cause the same to be raised out of contact with the edges of the labels.

35. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway, a label support, a paste carrying member, a paste applying member projecting across the runway and mounted on a rocking support, and adapted to alternately move into contact with the paste carrying member and the upper surface of a label on the support, said paste applying member being yieldable, and means projecting above the runway adapted in the move ment of the paste applying member to engage the latter, substantially as and for the purpose described.

36. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway, a label support, a paste carrying member, a paste applying member projecting across the runway and mounted on a rocking support, and adapted to alternately move into contact with the paste carrying member and the upper surface of a label on the support, said paste applying member being yieldable, and roller bearings projecting above the runway and adapted to be engaged by the paste applying member in its movement so as to raise the same, substantially as and for the purpose described.

37. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway, a label support, a paste carrier, a paste ap lying member formed of sheet metal and aving on its inner surface one or more pasting surfaces, means for moving said paste applying member horizontally from a point in contact with the paste carrying member to a point in contact with a label on the support, and one or more rollers to be engaged by the paste applying member in its movement to elevate the same, substantially as and for the purpose described.

88. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway, a label support, a paste carrier, a paste applying member formed of sheet metal andhaving on its inner surface one or more pasting surfaces, means for moving said paste applying member horizontally from a point in contact with the paste carrying member to a point in contact with a label on the support, and one or more rollers to be engaged by the paste applying member in its movement to elevate the same, and means governed by the movement of a can along the runway for actuating the paste applying member.

39. In a labeling machine, the combina tion of a runway, a label receptacle, a paste applying member comprising a strip of yieldable metal projecting across the runway, a paste supply member, said paste applying member having one or more pasting surfaces, and a rock arm support for the paste applying member adapted to move the same into and out of contact with the paste supply member and into and out of contact with a label positioned on the support.

40. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway, a label receptacle, a paste applying member comprising a strip of yieldable metal projecting across the runway, a paste supply member, said paste applying member having one or more pasting surfaces, and a rock arm support for the paste applying member adapted to move the same into and out of contact with the paste supply member and into and out of contact with a label positioned on the support, and roller bearings to be engaged by the paste applying member.

41. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway, a label receptacle, a paste applying member comprising a strip of yieldable metal projecting across the runway, a paste supply member, said paste applying member having one or more pasting surfaces, a rock arm support for the paste applying member adapted to move the same into and out of contact with the paste sup ply member and into and out of contact with a label positioned on the support, and means projecting above the runway adapted in the movement of the paste applying member to engage the latter and elevate the same, substantially as and for the purpose described.

42. In a labeling machine, a runway for ing mechanism comprising a paste applying member of yieldable material projecting across the runway, a rock arm support for the paste applying member adapted to horizontally move the same into and out of contact with a label on the support and a member projecting above the runway in the path of the movement of the paste applying member to cause the same to yield and there by be elevated before and after its engagement with the label.

43. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway, a label support, a paste applying member projecting across the runway, upwardly projecting arms connected at their upper end one to each end of the paste applying member, said arms having a pivotal support at their lower ends, and means actuated by a passing can for moving said arms to bring the paste applying member into and out of contact with a label on the support.

44:. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway, a label support, a paste applying member projecting across the runway, upwardly projecting arms connected at their upper end one to each end of the paste applying member, said arms having a pivotal support at their lower ends, and a trip member arranged to the side of the runway and projecting thereabove to be engaged by a passing can to impart rocking movement to said arms.

45. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway, a label support, a paste applying member projecting across the runway, upwardly projecting arms connected at their upper end one to each end of the paste applying member, said arms having a pivotal support at their lower ends, and a trip member arranged to the side of the cans or the like, a label receptacle and past- 1 runway and projecting thereabove to be engaged by a passing can to impart rocking movement to said arms, said trip member permitting backward and forward movement of the cans.

46. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway, a label support, a paste applying member projecting across the runway, upwardly projecting arms connected at their upper end one to each end of the paste applying member, said arms having a pivotal support at their lower ends, a trip member arranged to the side' of the runway and projecting thereabove to be engaged by a passing can to impart rocking movement to said arms, an auxiliary paste applying member projecting across the runway adjacent the opposite end of the label receptacle, and connections between said auxiliary paste applying member and the first mentioned paste applying member, whereby said paste applying members move together.

47. In a labeling machine, the combina tion of a runway, a label support, a paste applying member projecting across the run way, upwardly projecting arms connected at their upper ends one to each end of the paste applying member, said arms having a pivotal support at their lower ends, a trip member arranged to the side of the runway and projecting thereabove to be engaged by a passing can to impart-rocking movement to said arms, an auxiliary paste applying member adjacent the opposite end of the label receptacle and projecting across the runway, pivotally supported rock arms, connected at their upper ends one to each end of the auxiliary paste applying member, and a connection between the rock arms of the respective paste applying members.

l8. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway, a label support, a paste applying member projecting across the runway, upwardly projecting arms connected at their upper ends one to each end of the paste applying member, said arms having a pivotal support at their lower ends, a trip member arranged to the side of the runway and projecting thereabove to be engaged by a passing can to impart rocking movement to said arms, an auxiliary paste applying member adjacent the opposite end of the label receptacle and projecting across the runway, pivotally supported rock arms connected at their upper ends one to each end of the auxiliary paste applying member, and a lengthwise adjustable connection between the rock arms of the respective paste applying members.

49. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway, a label receptacle intermediate the ends of the runway, a paste ap' plying member projecting across the runway adjacent one end of the receptacle, an auxiliary paste applying member projecting across the runway adjacent the opposite end of the receptacle, rock arm supports for the paste applying members, and a reach rod projecting between the rock arms, and means for actuating the rock arms to bring the paste applying members alternately into engagement with a label in the receptacle.

50. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway, a label receptacle intermediate the ends of the runway, a paste applying member projecting across the runway adjacent one end of the receptacle, an auxiliary paste applying member projecting across the runway adjacent the opposite end of the receptacle, rock arm supports for the paste applying members, and a lengthwise adjustable reach rod projecting between and connected to the rock arms of the paste applying members, and means for actuating said arms.

51. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway, a label receptacle inter mediate the ends of the runway, a paste applying member projecting across the run way adjacent one end of the receptacle, an auxiliary paste applying member projecting across the runway adjacent the opposite end of the receptacle, rock arm supports for the paste applying members, a lengthwise adjustable reach rod projecting between and connected to the rock arms of the paste applying members, and means for actuating said arms, said means including a horizontally extending bar, a rock shaft for said bar, and trip mechanism for actuating the rock shaft, said trip mechanism being governed by the movement of a can along the runway. v

52. In a labeling machine, the combination of a canrunwa'y, pasting and labeling mechanism, can feeding means arranged above the runway comprising an elongated endless belt substantially co -extensive with the runway and substantially the width of the runway, supporting pulleys for the belt, a drive shaft for one pulley, a supporting shaft upon which the opposite pulley is loosely mounted, and spacing disks for the cans fixed to said shaft of the loose pulley, a driving connection between said disks and the first mentioned drive shaft, said spacing disks being of a diameter slightly greater than that of the adjacent drum thereby forming retaining means for the belt.

53. In a labeling machine, the combination of a can runway, pasting and labeling mechanism, can feeding means arranged above the runway comprising an elongated endless belt substantially co-extensive with the runway and substantially the width of the runway, supporting pulleys for the belt, a drive shaft for one pulley, a supporting shaft upon which the opposite pulley is loosely mounted, spacing disks for the cans fixed to said shaft of the loose pulley, a

driving connection between said disks and In testimony whereof I aifix my signature thekfirst mentimed drive shail t, 1slaid spacing in presence of two witnesses.

dis s being 0 a diameter s ig t1 greater than that of the adjacent drum thereby FREDERICK KNAPP' 5 forming retaining means for the belt, and Witnesses:

said runway being yieldable at a point be- CALVIN T. MILANs,

10W said spacing disks. J AS. E. HUTCHINSON.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. 0. 

